I am deeply moved.
When we started the junior practicum experience at the Carroll Robbins Elementary, we were thrilled to learn that several teachers were very dedicated to their work. They came in early and stayed late for attending to their students’ needs. We even learned that some of the teachers would bring breakfasts every day to feed some of their students. They were so generous.
By the second week, I witnessed a couple of teachers soaking used markers in a basin, hoping to squeeze a little more ink for their students to use. I was told that they got only $100 per year for the school supplies fund. One teacher had spent more than $1,000 already for the previous semester. It’s a difficult time with scarce budget and support. However, these teachers tried their best and never gave up hope. I admire their creativity, dedication, and generosity.
In order to be of help, I thought about turning to some organizations for fundraising initiatives or entrust others to raise money. That thought was quickly challenged and minimized when I heard in the radio that, in general, most money raised via fundraising initiatives was wasted in the operation costs. I mentioned this dilemma to Valery and Allison in my ACB class, and I was surprised that they felt strongly that we should have our own fundraising campaign. They quickly organized the entire class and structured the fundraising strategies. Everyone in the class assumed some roles and took charge of the fundraising tasks while they were all keeping a very busy schedule for their work and classes.
Now the fundraising campaign has finally come to a satisfactory stop and we have heard praises and appreciations from all over. I am proud of what my students have accomplished and I’d commend them for their dedication and perseverance in this effort.
Valery has drafted a letter to share with the local Trentonian Newspaper. Hopefully this story can trigger the public’s attention about the school funding and inspire others to engage in the similar initiatives. Here is what she wrote:
Hi, my name is Valerie Li. I am currently a junior at The College of New Jersey, studying Elementary Education. I would love to share with you a fundraising project my class has held.
As juniors, all elementary education majors must take a junior practicum course entitled Advanced Core Block (ACB). I am in Dr. Pan’s ACB class. An important aspect of the class is being involved in an authentic classroom as student teachers. This semester my class is at Carroll Robbins Elementary School in Trenton. We love it there! The teachers and students are great to work with. As much as we are teaching, we are also learning a lot. It is an exciting and eye-opening experience through which we had a chance to actively and extensively engage students in an urban school. We appreciate and cherish such an opportunity.
With great gratitude to the people we love, we decided to give something back to the school that taught us so much, and leave a lasting impression. As a result, we conducted a fundraising campaign to raise money for school supplies to address the realistic needs. All of my classmates voluntarily participated in this activity with our spare hours. We had a drive on campus in the new Education Building and with Alpha Phi Omega (a community service fraternity), a can drive at Dunkin Donuts on Pennington Road, and a restaurant fundraiser at Cheeburger Cheeburger in Lawrenceville. From all the fundraisers and drives, we received many bags full of school supplies as well as a little over $500 that we will be using to buy supplies for our classrooms.
If you would like to learn more about it, I would like to share with you about our practicum experiences at Carroll Robbins Elementary School and about this fundraising initiative. Please let me know if you are interested in learning more about this. Our last day at Robbins is this coming Wednesday (May 1). Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Classmates brought supplies they’ve gathered for their students.
The story is published in the local newspaper Trentonian on Friday (May 3, 2013).
